DORCHESTER Town boss Callum Brooks labelled the Magpies’ grim 6-3 defeat at Chesham United as “extremely poor” and questioned his squad’s “desire” to win games.

Under-fire Brooks, who is expected to remain at the helm in the immediate future despite a run of one win from 11 league games, watched on as Dorchester slipped to 2-0 down at the BetVictor Southern Premier South leaders in 24 minutes.

Dave Pearce and Chris Doyle both grabbed goals, before Klaidi Lolos’ header made it 2-1 at half-time.

The teams traded efforts for 3-2, Brad Clayton and a Mark Kirby own goal troubling the scorers, before the Generals stretched their legs, Clayton completing a hat-trick either side of Adam Martin’s rifled strike.

Michael Peck then netted his first Dorchester goal, but his strike was barely consolatory on a dreadful afternoon for the Magpies.

Brooks told Echosport: “To go to top of the league and score three goals would usually be an absolutely massive positive.

“But to concede six at the other end through what can only be described as an inability to defend balls going into the box – three were throws, one a corner and one a free-kick – is extremely poor and disappointing.

“You’ve got to question players’ desire to put their body between the ball and goal in your own penalty box. It’s abnormal, really.”

Brooks slammed his defence for a lack of fight, questioning his defensive unit’s willingness to put bodies on the line.

He said: “There’s been an element this season of there’s not been an attitude of ‘over my dead body is someone going to get a run on me’.

“‘Over my dead body is someone going to win a header in the box’ and if they do ‘over my dead body is someone going to win the second ball’.

“It’s got to be a desire thing. I don’t want to see a side take to the pitch, for me, that’s without a kind of grit and desire.

“I’ve always had sides I’ve been involved in that have a real grit and determination about them.

“I take responsibility for signing players and the way I coach, but the players, when it’s five (goals) from set-plays – no coach in the world can go on (the pitch) and head balls out of the box.

“At this level, if you can’t compete, you’ve got no chance. It’s seriously concerning and embarrassing.

“To concede six once (at Weston) I was mortified. It’s a feeling that won’t leave me and for it to happen again, it beggar’s belief.”

*Due to Gosport’s 0-0 draw at Bath City in the FA Trophy, Dorchester’s fixture against the former tomorrow has been postponed.